Got on 40 with the old HW-16 and one rock (7066) Nothing heard so QSY to 80 on a modern rig (IC-718) made 3 contacts then took a break to nap so could make midnight.. Just woke up in time and blew my Great Northern switch engine horn at the strike of 12.Always a hit in the hood. Newyears day got on 40 , worked K7UDG about 10 miles from me. Band sounded like the old novice days with chirpy , soft keyed , drifting signals, unsure fists and lots of fills. Gawd I loved it ! Plan for next year get a couple more rocks in more usable parts of band.

Rig (s) used: HW-16, IC-718

Antenna: 6BTV, ground mounted I used a 4BTV as novice in 1970

Key: J-38, about same age as me.